The Buffalo Bills (6-5) travel west to take on the Oakland Raiders (9-2) on Sunday in a critical AFC matchup that coach Rex Ryan has called a ‘must-win’ game. Ryan’ statement was true, as the team needs to find a way to win their remaining five games in order to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

To get prepared for Sunday’s matchup we caught up with Will Reeve Jr., the managing editor of our sister site, The Raiders Wire to discuss everything to know about this weekend’s critical contest.

Derek Carr seems to have taken the next step for the Raiders and has been a big part of Oakland ranking in the top-10 in just about every offensive statistical category. What has been the most impressive aspect of his game so far this season and what areas can he still improve?

RW: Derek Carr’s leadership, above all, is what sets him apart. He has a strong arm, can make all of the throws and is a good athlete — but we’ve seen plenty of guys like that who haven’t succeeded. It’s the ability to be able to naturally instill belief in those around him via his passion, confidence and execution that continues to set him apart. It’s because of his leadership that he gets better when others shrink, and continues to lead the NFL in fourth-quarter rating at 122.5.

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Having that type of an impact on his teammates at just 25- years old, is by far the most impressive aspect of what he brings to the table. It’s a very rare quality for anyone to find in any young quarterback. On the flip side of that equation, Carr is still inconsistent. He hasn’t been nearly as good in the first three quarters of games as he has been in the final quarter. Moreover, in each of the last two weeks we saw Brett Favre-esque interceptions. If he can find a rhythm and sustain it more consistently in games, there’s no telling how good he could be.

The Raiders offense has a ton of weapons in wide receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree along with two talented ball-carriers in running backs Latavius Murray and Jalen Richard. If you’re Rex Ryan, how would you game-plan to defend their multi-dimensional offense?

RW: Rex Ryan, nor his brother Rob for that matter, are the type to adjust their schemes dramatically based upon what the opposing offense does week-to-week. Ryan is aggressive and will try to take away Cooper given that he’s been the No. 1 target for Carr all year. Stopping the run is expected out of any Ryan team given the types of formation and blitzes he runs stock every week. I do’t expect anything too far out of the norm from Rex. He knows one way.

On defense, Khalil Mack headlines a talented group. Statistically, the unit hasn’t performed up to expectations, but there’s no doubting that they can get after the quarterback. What has been the biggest weakness on defense and if you’re Anthony Lynn, how would you attack the Raiders’ defense?

RW: They actually don’t get after the quarterback well. They’re at the bottom of the league with just 17 sacks as a team. Both Bruce Irvin and Khalil Mack were forced to play 100 percent of the team’s snaps last Sunday because Denico Autry and Jihad Ward, and the others who rotate in on that defensive line have produced nothing in 2016.

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The Raiders are counting the days until they get Mario Edwards Jr. and Aldon Smith back. What that happens, that will improve everything about this defense. What is perceived to be a strength of the team because of the skill of Mack, is actually a weakness. If I’m Lynn, I stick to what my team does best. Pound the ball, mix in play-action, and trust Tyrod to make plays.

Who is an under the radar player on offense that the casual fan may not be familiar with that could have a big impact on Sunday?

Tight end Clive Walford is going to be a good one. He’s a big, strong, smooth route-runner who has recently said the game has slowed down for him. His 12-yard touchdown last week in a spot where the team was down eight an desperately needed it, shows that he’s going to continue to see more playing time. Keep an eye out for No. 88.

Who is an under the radar player on defense that the casual fan may not be familiar with that could have a big impact on Sunday?

Middle linebacker Perry Riley Jr. didn’t play last week against the Carolina Panthers after tweaking a hamstring. Should he be able to go this week, he’s a difference maker. After having three really poor seasons with the Washington Redskins, Riley Jr. finds himself ranked in the Top-6 of all linebackers on Pro Football Focus.

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People haven’t trusted the grading of Riley Jr. given his track record, but he is quick, has good awareness and has improved dramatically in coverage this season. He’s also a free agent after this season, so for many reasons, he’s worth keeping an eye on.

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